City pool fund-raisers seek donations for future improvements

Wednesday

Dec 4, 2013 at 2:00 AM

PORTSMOUTH — Two years into a private-public partnership to save the Portsmouth indoor pool, volunteers reported they have raised and saved more than a half-million dollars, while soliciting donations to meet three more years of fund-raising goals.

Elizabeth Dinan

PORTSMOUTH — Two years into a private-public partnership to save the Portsmouth indoor pool, volunteers reported they have raised and saved more than a half-million dollars, while soliciting donations to meet three more years of fund-raising goals.

Through a tax-exempt charity, formed solely to save the pool from closure because of municipal financial constraints, Save the Indoor Portsmouth Pool recently mailed a report to residents stating the most expensive repair was made to the pool in August. Local physician and SIPP President Thomas Clairmont reported in the mailing that a $400,000 translucent roof was installed over the pool, "with reasonable financing provided by the same company that manufactured and installed the original roof and building in 1980."

The pool is located on Andrew Jarvis Drive, adjacent to the high school.

Clairmont wrote that the new roof followed repairs made to gutters that were contributing to roof leaks, as well as upgrades to the pool that have improved the water quality and reduced water use by more than 40 percent.

"While much has been done, much work remains before we can answer the question, 'Who saved the indoor Portsmouth pool?'" Clairmont wrote in his mailing.

The remaining capital improvements, according to the SIPP group, include replacing the old pool liner, evaluating the pool foundation and drain system, replacing the 1980 translucent gable walls and facade, upgrading ventilation equipment, and replacing an old boiler system with a new energy-efficient system.

Per terms of a 2011 agreement with the city, SIPP is committed to raising another $175,000 by June 30, 2015, another $200,000 the following year, and another $175,000 between July 2015 and June 30, 2016. The group has already met goals of raising $50,000 the first year and $150,000 during the year ending June 30.

The city of Portsmouth is paying $150,000 a year toward the pool, a 72 percent reduction from when it was fully funding the pool operation, SIPP reported.

Cost savings and increased pool membership are not enough to save the pool, Clairmont wrote in the mailing to residents, while seeking more tax-deductable donations.

Donors are asked to make checks payable to SIPP and send them to SIPP, c/o 82 Court St., Portsmouth.

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